With Wembley just around the corner, the remaining ten celebrities attempted to step things up a gear on last night's show.
Highest score so far: Denise and James opened the show with a passionate Paso to Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. Denise delivered some impressive quick spins in a sultry red dress and managed to clock up the highest score in the series so far, with 36 points out of a possible 40. The former Big Breakfast host was forced to rehearse with a stand-in partner, Ian Waite, during the week as James Jordan suffered ankle injuries. However, I don’t think the change-up had anything to do with Denise’s improvement. If Denise keeps up the good work she will be right on target to take home the Strictly crown.
Denise Van Outen delivered a red hot Paso to Seven Natio Army
Bottom of the leaderboard: Michael and Natalie failed to impress the panel with their salsa to I Want You Back by The Jackson 5. While there was a slight improvement in his hip movement, Michael still looked rigid and stiff. However, I did notice a massive improvement with his timing. Craig Revel Horwood slammed their Latin routine saying it was “very automated” (ouch). The pair still managed to receive an impressive score of 26, but it wasn't good enough to keep then from bottom of the leaderboard. Could they be going home tonight?
Michael and Natalie received the lowest score of the night of 26 marks
Three's a crowd: Cheryl Cole was spotted front row in the Strictly audience to support her bessie and Girls Alound bandmate Kimberley Walsh. Kimberley and Pasha performed a beautiful Viennese Waltz to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. Nimbo Kimbo looked stunning in a pale pink and silver frock. The performance was romantic, with excellent lines and beautiful spins. Darcey complimented Kimberley’s long neck, while Len praised her transitions before naming her ‘Kimberley Waltz.’ The couple found themselves in fixed third place with Dani and Vincent on the leaderboard with a score of 34.
Kimberley and Pasha performed a beautiful Viennese Waltz
Middle of the road: Victoria and Brendan danced the Quickstep to Luck be a Lady by Frank Sinatra. The props and stage production really made this performance. The start of the performance was a bit wobbly and Victoria’s frame was sloppy in places. That said, she did have neat footwork and good timing. It was unfortunate that Brendan had a little tumble at the top of the stairs just before the end. I commend his quick-thinking and attempt to cover it up by doing a spin and seemingly incorporating the trip into the routine. Was the quickstep a little too quick for poor Brendan? The pair were awarded 30 marks for their performance (as did Nicky and Karen).
Victoria and Brendan danced the Quickstep to Luck Be a Lady
Last but not least: The final performance of the night came from Lisa Riley and her professional partner, Robin Windsor, who danced the Foxtrot to This Could Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole. Lisa was a bit stiff during the spins, but as Bruno said her feet were on fire. It was an entertaining, lively and fun ending to the show. Craig thought her timing was marvellous, while Len thought Lisa had the F-Factor – good footwork, great foxtrot and great fun. Here Here! The pair scored a well-deserved 32 points.
Lisa was told that she had the F-Factor by Len - good footwork, great foxtrot and great fun'
Who do you want to stay in the competition?
Laura Delaney
